Day Zero: The Flight.

So, I've arrived! Actually, I arrived a couple of days ago, but I've only just completed the duo of free time and a free WiFi connection.

Several people asked me, before I came out here, if I was scared of flying. A strange question given that I've never flown before, so how would I know? Well, I now know.

I'm not.

Everything seemed pretty straight forward. The departure was painless (I'm glad I checked in on-line beforehand) without problems at any stage. My checked in baggage allowance was 23KG; my suitcase weighed in at 22.5KG. That conjured a strange emotion of joy that I wouldn't have to pay £22 per KG in excess weight charges, and also regret that I hadn't shoe-horned another 500g of junk into my case. The bathroom scales, then, did the trick (calibrated with three, 5 litre boxes of wine!). Next time I'll buy some super accurate luggage scales (which several people had suggested I do).

Seeing as I'd checked in on-line I was able to secure a window seat (after I'd turfed out an thieving Indian). I was over looking the port side engine and could look back to the leading edge of the wing (watching it bounce up and down mostly).

The route, displayed on the Oryx entertainment system, suggested we would fly over the Peak District and then over Sheffield. I was therefore disappointed to be only staring at several layers of cloud. It soon brightened as we headed out over The Wash and onto the Netherlands. All very impressive.

The Netherlands

Our route then took us over Germany, Romania, Czechoslovakia, the Black Sea and Turkey. It had soon clouded over again, though, so all the interesting mountains and such were hidden from view. Still, clouds can be impressive. No, they really can, honest!

Pretty Clouds!

The view soon improved, after watching the new 'A-Team' film, as we crossed into Iraq. Mosel appeared beneath my window. After a few strange meanderings in the sky we flew over Baghdad and Basra then out over the Gulf.

Somewhere over Iraq as the shadows lengthen

The sun set surprisingly early considering the time difference, so flying over the Gulf and the approach to Doha was in darkness (note to self: POSH on this flight doesn't work). The descent was in rapid, stomach turning bursts and we were soon speeding a few feet over the runway. The landing was flawless. We braked hard and taxi'd to a halt some way from the terminal, thus requiring a bus to transport us over there.

Coming into land

Stepping from the plane was an experience, and not a pleasant one at that! The cool of the plane gave way to the breath-taking heat and humidity of the open tarmac. Wow! However, that's nothing compared to what I've experienced since!

The bus drive was quite long. All the while I was looking around me wondering; "Are you going to AKIS? What about you?". I tried to overhear what people were saying, but no clues were given. Arrival at the airport was effortless; A short wait for my case (thankfully all present and correct) then swiftly through customs and security to the waiting throng and a welcome sign from the school and a friendly face. I'd made it!